How to Measure Western Saddle Trees

Buying or selling a saddle requires an understanding of the size of the seat and the gullet width. The size of the saddle will determine what size rider the saddle can accommodate. The width of the gullet indicates what type and size horse can comfortably utilize the saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

  1. Measuring the Seat

    • 1

      Place the end of the measuring tape at the front of the saddle's cantle. The cantle is the back of the seat.

    • 2

      Pull the measuring tape forward, holding it parallel to the seat.

    • 3

      Take the measurement where the base of the pommel meets the seat. The pommel is often at an angle, so using the saddle horn as the measurement reference point gives an inaccurate measurement.

    • 4

      Round the measurement down to the half-inch. For example, if the saddle seat measures 15 7/8 inches, the saddle size is 15 1/2 inches. Published saddle sizes on new saddles are taken from the raw tree, before the leather is added.

    Measuring the Gullet

    • 5

      Stand in front of the saddle.

    • 6

      Locate the front conchos on each side of the saddle.

    • 7

      Starting with the left side, press the measuring tape on the underside of the saddle. Press through the fleece and up against the leather at the spot where the concho is affixed on the topside.

    • 8

      Stretch straight across the width of the saddle to the corresponding spot on the right side of the saddle. This gives you the saddle gullet measurement.